Nutrition the same?

[kimct]

Hey ladies! Glad this is here! I know I gotta do some research, but wanted to ask quickly if the nutrition rules are the same for running as cycling? Seems to me like jogging would take more out of ya in a shorter time?

I'm going to give jogging another try starting tomorrow night! I tried it shortly after I started bike riding, with my husband, but it didn't work out well! I had just quit smoking, and was recovering from pnuemonia (like half a week out of the hospital at the time) so I'm hoping that with 200 miles of bike riding under my belt, better respiratory health and just basic overall feeling tons better I'd give it another try!

Never been a runner, although I've watched joggers enviously! So...do I eat a carb rich meal an hour or so before I plan to go? Energy bar? Gatorade? Something like that? I realize that I won't be jogging for an hour or two like I would be riding, but still....seems like more energy expended?

Thanks!

Kim

[Nanci]

My software says running 5 mph (12 min/mile) burns 541 calories, the same as riding at a moderate 12-14 mph pace.

I find that my stomach is touchier about emptying when I run- so I can't eat large amounts like I can on the bike- I mostly eat gels and Sharkies and maybe just bites of bars, and drink water only. On the bike I can do what ever I want. You can train your stomach to be more accepting of larger "meals" when running by gradually increasing the amount.

I think it's easier to eat while cycling because the heart rate is so much lower.

Nanci

[Tri Girl]

This question is very individual.
I was a runner first, then a cyclist. I love cycling because I can eat so much more (and so many varied foods) while cycling. I can eat bars, sport beans, fig newtons on the bike. When I run, the only thing I can tolerate is gels. My stomach doesn't do well with anything on the run (or for a couple hours before that). My dh, on the other hand, can eat a full breakfast, then go out for a one or two hour run eating bars, gels, etc...w/out problems.
For the most part, calories are calories when exercising. However you can get them in to maintain nutrition is up to you and what your body can tolerate.
As far as burning calories, I burn more calories when I run than when I cycle, and most of that is based on heart rate. I cycle at about 20 bpm lower when I cycle, therefore I'm outputting less effort and burning less calories. I also can cycle for longer than I run, so it evens out in the end.

Find what works for you. Experiment with different things until you figure out what your body will tolerate (eating lots or little before runs, eating bars vs. gels when running).
Good luck!

[rocknrollgirl]

My trail running workouts equal my mountain biking workouts weeky. I cannot eat anything a couple of hours before I run except GU, and sometimes, my stomach is touchy afterwards.

It was worse when I first started running regularly about 6 months ago.

I can eat anything before I mountain bike, but not running.

I hope that you work it out, I love running now.

[Bella]

Food gets bounced around too much while running. I could eat a whole meal on the bike and keep going. I second gels and water for hydration/electrolytes.

Your best bet is to experiment in low doses.

[kimct]

Well, did my first jog (much more walking) tonight and it worked out ok! I ate dinner around an hour and a half before going. Maybe the fact that I walked more than jogged helped, but my stomach didn't hurt! Did get a stitch in my side two times though...didn't last long.


I'm going to pick up some gels tomorrow and try those for energy right before the jog and see if I can endure a little more than I did tonight. Not going to push though!

Thanks for the advice everyone. I figured jogging bounced you around alot more and wasn't sure how to deal with that and eating!

Kim